Will Shedeur Sanders be the QB1 of the Browns? That's a question every Browns fan is asking. Unfortunately, there's no definitive answer to that just yet.

Browns' HC Todd Monken has not given a clear answer to that question. But Network Insider Cameron Wolfe reported that the franchise will look for players that can help the QB in the 2026 NFL Draft rather than the QB itself.

“They are expected to go heavy on offense. I talked to their general manager several times over the offseason, and he said, ‘I feel like we’re very close to set on defense, but we have needs at wide receiver, offensive line, and of course, figuring out that quarterback question.’ Don’t be surprised if they don’t select a quarterback in the first round of this draft.”

The Browns' offense was a mess last year. They had only 4,456 receiving yards, which is the third-lowest in the league. And they also scored only 16 touchdowns, which is the second-lowest in the 2025 season. Their primary WR, Jerry Jeudy, had the second-most drops in the season (10).

And if that was not enough, the team's offensive line failed to protect the quarterback for most of the season. Their quarterbacks were sacked 51 times, ranking 7th among the teams allowing the most sacks in the season. So they desperately need to get a WR and OL before a QB.

Wolfe also added, "There’s still optimism for Shedeur Sanders in Cleveland, especially with Todd Monken now as the head coach." Monken has already talked about how he wanted to draft Sanders when they met the first time, plus he has also praised his playmaking ability as well.

But Its' Not Like Shedeur Sanders Doesn't Have Compeition

If Sanders wants to be the QB1 of the Browns in 2026, he will not only have to work hard for it but also compete with Deshaun Watson as well. Wolfe talked about how Monken's offense will give more flexibility to Sanders, but also added:

"There’s also Deshaun Watson, who started throwing again with his quarterback coach, Quincy Avery, this week; they believe he’ll be involved potentially in that competition. The Browns could bolster their receiver at wide receiver and O-line and the rest of the spots in 2026 and potentially let these guys compete at the quarterback position.”

Watson has recovered from his Achilles injury. He has also recently posted a video where one could see him training with his personal QB coach, Quincy Avery. On paper, he is the most talented and experienced quarterback in the Browns QB room.

But in 19 games, he has thrown for only 3,365 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, getting a passer rating of 80.7. On the other hand, Shedeur Sanders had a passer rating of 68.1 with 1,400 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in 8 games in 2025.

Who would you choose? Tell us in the comments and follow the Cleveland Browns Community for updates!

Written by

Reyansh Dubey

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu